Do you know that there is power in a touch? That the ability to be touched can make all the difference in our lives? Well, one of the most powerful things is the power of touch. We come equipped with an ability to send and receive emotional signals solely by doing so. We are wired to interpret the touch of our fellow humans.
Touching increases the speed of communication. It is one that places us into direct contact with our world. When we touch someone, we become intimately involved with that person. This immediacy is particularly noteworthy when it comes to bonding. We feel more connected to someone if they touch us. Touch is a language all by itself. Can you imagine not being able to touch your world? Can you imagine not being able to touch those you love? Can you imagine what it would feel like if people refused to touch you? To not be able to touch might be worse than not being able to see.
We all touch lots of people every day of our lives. Most, we do not even think about. But, there are times when we reach out and deliberately touch someone because we want to connect with them. Our touch might be that of love, of passion, of tenderness, of compassion, of help, of deliverance or of curiosity. Often, our touch can effect change in the people we touch. To touch someone means much more than merely touching them. It is about connecting with them at the core of their being.
Touch is the first sense we acquire and the secret weapon in many a successful relationship. It is an essential human need. Touch is very useful. It allows us to feel. When we shake hands, or put an arm across someone’s shoulder, the body releases neurological chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin – while also inhibiting chemicals that cause stress. But touch doesn’t just feel good; it is vital to being human. Babies need to be touched, cuddled and held to grow and develop normally. Our children need to be touched and hugged as well. This conveys the message, louder than words could say, “We care for you and about you.” It gives them encouragement and hope.
Adults too need to be touched in a respectful manner. We need to touch each other more often at the appropriate times and places. In times of difficulty, and distress, yet this can cause hope to soar within them. Human touch is the foundation of human relationships.
The Bible tells us of a touch that is far superior to any human touch. It is the touch of Christ which reminds us that His touch is the touch of God. When He extends His hand into our lives and purposely touches us, He produces changes that no other touch can duplicate. Jesus touches us because he loves and cares for us. What we need to realize, is that there are several aspects of His touch:
? His touch is an intimate touch
? His touch is a powerful touch
? His touch is a transforming touch
? His touch is a life-giving touch
? His touch is a cleansing touch
? His touch is a quieting touch
? His touch is an illuminating touch
? His touch is a reassuring touch
? His touch is a healing touch, and
? His touch is a saving touch
You see, through a simple touch, more directly than any other way, we can transmit to each other something of the power of the life we have inside us. It is no wonder that just the touch of another human being, at a dark time, can be enough to save the day. Christ touching us, and we touching others, is powerful. We meet our Lord in the face of a stranger, in the embrace of a friend, in the beauty of a sunrise, in the still silence, and at His table, where we take, touch and taste the gifts of His grace. It is there that we are reminded that we are the body of Christ, sent forth in the strength of His presence to touch a hurting and dying world.
Jesus’ touch caused miracles to happen. We may not be able to cause miracles to happen as Jesus did, but each one of us is given the opportunity to use God’s love to touch others in ways that comfort and heal. What we need to remember is Touch has a memory. Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone’s hand is the beginning of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours. Who can we reach out and touch, and with that touch, bring healing and transformation today?
Remember: Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts. Our legacy is really the lives we touch – altering someone’s plan if even for a moment. Therefore, if one is out of touch with oneself, then one cannot touch others.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has now published Positive Living Volume 2. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre
